Dean Krogman speaks out on racism and discrimination, applauding those making an effort to create change.

Dear Faculty of Environment Students, Faculty and Staff,

This has been a painful week. Across Turtle Island we have witnessed more examples of violent and ongoing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.  In Metro Vancouver there have also been new reports of anti-Asian and anti-Muslim incidents.  This comes amid a global health crisis that is further exposing systemic inequity and injustice. As President Andrew Petter has asserted, “Racism has no place in our society, and we have a responsibility not only to condemn discriminatory behaviour, but also to take action to support inclusion for all.”  Discriminatory behavior has no place in our lecture halls, and especially not behind a screen or on social media.

Some of you have taken part in protest marches or are planning to. Others have spoken out against individual acts of discrimination.  The Faculty of Environment supports your desire to take responsible action to push for change.

We are grateful for the academic commitment of the diverse and vibrant members of our Faculty who bring their skills, discipline and experience to SFU. Their voices and experience make SFU a richer space for building and sharing knowledge, celebrating difference and commonalities, and enriching civil society.

We have an opportunity to champion justice and human rights in this time of upheaval.  Today we invite each of you to renew your commitment to equity, inclusion and anti-racism as emissaries and ambassadors of SFU. We are committed to giving a greater platform to marginalized voices now, and in the years to come.

We hope you are taking good care of yourselves, in body and soul. Know that we value you and recognize the toll the current stresses are taking on you.

For students, faculty and staff who experience grief, trauma and/or stress resulting from racism and violence, support is available:

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion help and support: https://www.sfu.ca/edi/support.html
• Students: Health & Counselling Services 778-782-4615 and our free, 24/7 mental health support program, mySSP. More information on these and other mental health supports here. 
• Faculty and all staff: Employee and Family Assistance Program:  Homewood Health 1-800-663-1142
• Interfaith Centre: 778-782-3180

The 'Shadow Pandemic' of Anti-Asian Racism, Fiona Tinwei Lam, The Tyee

Novels by local authors:

Obasan, Joy Kogawa

The Jade Peony, Wayson Choy

All That Matters, Wayson Choy

Films and TV Shows that address discrimination and racism:

13th, Ava DuVernay (Netflix)

Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler (on demand)

The Hate U Give, George Tillman Jr. (Crave)

Ninth Floor, Mina Shum (National Film Board of Canada)

Selma, Ava DuVernay (on demand)

I Am Not Your Negro, Raoul Peck (Amazon Prime Video)

If Beale Street Could Talk, Barry Jenkins (Amazon Prime Video)

Do The Right Thing, Spike Lee (on demand)

Just Mercy, Destin Daniel Cretton (on demand)

Clemency, Chinonye Chukwu (on demand)

-Watchmen, Damon Lindelof (Crave)

Journey to Justice, Roger McTair (National Film Board of Canada)

-Les Misérables, Ladj Ly (on demand)

When They See Us, Ava DuVernay (Netflix)

BlackKklansmen, Spike Lee (Crave)

The Good Fight, Robert King, Michelle King and Phil Alden Robinson (on demand)

Beyond Moving, Vikram Dasgupta (Hot Docs Canada)

The Colour of Beauty, Elizabeth St. Philip (National Film Board of Canada)

Atlanta, Donald Glover (on demand)

Respectfully,

Naomi Krogman